Discussions of new films, books, television shows, and media indirectly related to magic and magicians. For example, there may be a book on mnemonics or theatrical technique we should know or at least know about.

"In one particularly eyebrow-raising short, Stymie - Buckwheat's predecessor as the main black member of the gang - thinks his brother has been turned into a monkey by a magician. In another, Lincoln Perry, the notorious actor known as Stepin Fetchit, turns up as Stymie's shuffling, slow-talking dad."

Ryan, you seem to know alot about this subject...I heard a rumor years ago that Bill Cosby bought the Little Rascals, in order to ...take them off the market, or whatever. With the way African Americans were portrayed etc...Any truth to that? But then why now?

Far as I know, it's only an urban legend. However, It's not exactly true that the films have been readily available. They were released on VHS in the mid 90s and sold very well and a few years ago were shown in a package on AMC. If my memory serves, it was right before AMC started showing commercials.

After that they dried up and it's my understanding that it was simply because Hallmark owned the films and has had no interest in them.

Ask any Laurel and Hardy fan about Hallmark. They own all of L&H's 1930s Hal Roach produced material in America and have only released a couple of poor quality DVDS.

I find it interesting the reputation The Little Rascals films have for being so politically incorrect. Aside from a handful of glaring examples, all of the shorts are good natured with the racial comedy few and far between.

If any of you have kids or grandkids, the set would be a great Christmas gift. Any instances of controversial comedy might serve as a conversation starter for parents. I hope the set sells well so maybe they will finally release the MGM produced shorts.

Whoever owns the rights to Laurel and Hardy in the UK put out an enormous box set of DVDs several years ago, with everything beautifully restored. An amazing job.

This new set of Little Rascals is getting excellent reviews.

By the way, that story about Bill Cosby has also been told about Disney's film Song of the South, another victime of PC foolishness, and it is also untrue (just as the story about him buying the rights to The Little Rascals is).